brokensword
New Member
I'm looking to make/buy a backup battery power system for my 7K pond which is totally screened in. I worry re any power outage that there'll be no one to hook up a gasoline generator while we're not at home/on vacation. I have quite a few fish and they'll need aeration minimally. I was looking at backup power re batteries and solar panels but would rather have some experienced user explain and tell me what I'd need. Ideally I'd like to run one pump (250w) and an aerator (40w). I'd at least try for 2-3 of the same aerator should the project get too expensive or the equipment too numerous to fit inside the pondhouse. I would want to get 3 days of power outage covered by this system. I'd like it to kick in when the mains electricity went out, automatically, and switch back when power returns with no damage done either way. The unit would be outside, exposed to the elements, though I could rig a covering, but if solar, the panels obviously have to be exposed to the sun/weather. I started off looking at the ecogen and jackery types, but feel either price/workmanship/output may not be sufficient. I'm doing this in lieu of going with a whole house generator, simply because outages are less frequent and the price and labor exorbitant.
Can anyone outline a plan to either DIY something or buy the best option? I'm in Michigan, winters are pretty cloudy but I don't need this for then, just summer. I get a decent amount of sunlight, so was thinking solar to charge normally during outages to help extend the coverage time. Thanks in advance for any help!
Can anyone outline a plan to either DIY something or buy the best option? I'm in Michigan, winters are pretty cloudy but I don't need this for then, just summer. I get a decent amount of sunlight, so was thinking solar to charge normally during outages to help extend the coverage time. Thanks in advance for any help!